803 schools in the South West area are sowing and growing for a healthier future

Green-fingered students from 803 schools across the South West are swapping their computer screens for runner beans this spring, thanks to a new campaign aimed at promoting healthy eating and food education.

Sow & Grow is an initiative set up by innocent drinks and not-for-profit organisation GIY (Grow It Yourself) to encourage kids to get outside, stick their hands in some mud and get growing.

The campaign has reached 6,666 schools (one quarter of all UK primary schools), where students will be taking part in gardening lessons to learn where their food comes from and have fun growing their own veg.

Michael Kelly, founder of social enterprise GIY said: ‘It’s a fact that food growers have a better understanding of nutrition and eat more fruit and veg. Over the years we have repeatedly seen how even the simplest food-growing experience can make children passionate about what they eat, and help them develop a greater understanding and ‘food empathy’. That’s why we’re so happy to see schools in the South West area involved.’

A recent survey undertaken by innocent found that 84% of parents across the UK believe children would be more open to eating fruit and veg if they knew where their food came from – and as innocent Brand Manager, Sim Viney highlights, the benefits are far from just a bit of fresh air.

She said: ‘We know that children who grow their own food are more likely to eat fruit and veg, and that kids who develop healthy habits at a young age are more likely to become healthy adults.

“At the moment nine out of ten young people are not getting their five-a-day, so we’ve started a campaign called Sow & Grow, which will get a quarter of all primary school kids growing veg in their classrooms, and learning where their food comes from.

“We’re hoping the campaign itself will grow in future years – our ultimate goal is to get every primary school child in the country to experience growing their own veg.”

(from a press release)

• About
• Latest Posts

the Devon Week

The Devon Week is the name for our Staff Writers here at the Devon Week. If you'd like to become a staff, or named, writer drop us a line. The Devon Week is part of News and Media Republic, a not-for-profit social enterprise, which aims to encourage debate and engagement in the political, social and creative life of the region

Latest posts by the Devon Week (see all)

• 2 Devon restaurants gain AA Rosettes - March 2, 2022
• A thoughtful programme of Christmas events in Plymouth - December 8, 2021
• Broken promises, planting trees and quality marks - September 10, 2021